Preach The Gospel (part 2)

The black paint still reflected the light. The interesting thing is that the black paint absorbed the light to the point that it was uncomfortable to touch.

There are two points I want to make here.

1 - Light always overpowers darkness.

This is both a physical truth and a spiritual one.

Jesus puts it this way in (S).

Matthew 5:14 NKJV

14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Our light cannot be hidden!

We are the light of the world.

That reality caries with it another truth.

2 - Light always battles darkness.

In , Paul writes (S).

Ephesians 5:8 NKJV

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

Ephesians 5:11 NKJV

11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

Our light exposes the works of darkness. Like the brightest flashlight making the darkest black uncomfortably hot, we make a dark world uncomfortable.

The discomfort of the world manifests itself in opposition to Christ and all who serve Him.

This does not lessen our responsibility to shine.

reveals that every believer shines as a light.

The question is, how bright is our light?

refers to the gospel as light.

The darkness absorbs the light and it heats up. The hotter it gets the more uncomfortable it is.

It is the light of the gospel that a dark world desperately needs.

The light of Christ that shines out of us makes a world of darkness uncomfortable.

In this passage we are examining Paul’s gospel presentation as he defends himself from the accusations made against him.

This does not lessen our responsibility to shine.

From his gospel presentation we are learning three lessons.

Application of these lessons will make us effective in reaching this dark world with the light of the gospel.

Here is what the passage has taught us so far.

Lesson #1…

1. The Gospel Is Personal vv. 1-11

Three areas of emphasis.

a. Personal connection vv. 1-3

When we go to share the gospel with others, we must build a personal connection.

b. Personal condition vv. 4-8

“Paul’s hand is stretched forth in customary rhetorical style; gestures were an important part of ancient training in public speaking.”[1]

Answered – ἀπολογέομαι (apologeomai) defend oneself. to defend oneself v. — to provide argumentation in defense of oneself (for presumably false accusations). Finite verb, imperfect, either middle or passive, indicative, third person, singular.

v. 2

“Here Paul offers the exordium of the speech, in which it was customary to praise the judge (captatio benevolentiae). Paul is able to do so honestly; Agrippa’s interest in the law was known, and his realm became a safe haven for Jewish practice after the Jewish-Roman war of 66–70.”[2]

Think – ἡγέομαι (hēgeomai) regard; consider; lead. to consider (reckon) v. — to deem or reckon to be. Finite verb, perfect, either middle or passive, indicative, first person, singular.

As we share the gospel we share with them our similarities. We once thought we were okay. We now know we are all sinners.

Happy – μακάριος (makarios) blessed; happy; fortunate. blessed adj. — characterized by happiness and being highly favored (as by divine grace). Attributive adjective, accusative, singular, masculine.

Answer – Paul uses the same word Agrippa did.

Accused – ἐγκαλέομαι (enkaleomai) bring charges (against). to be formally accused (state) v. — to be or become subject to a formal legal charge. Finite verb, present, passive, indicative, first person, singular.

b. Personal condition vv. 4-8

c. Personal confession vv. 9-11

Hope – ἐλπίς (elpis) hope; expectation. hope n. — a reasonable and confident expectation of a future event. Noun (prepositional object), dative, singular, feminine.

v. 7

Earnestly – ἐκτένεια (ekteneia) earnestness. earnestness n. — persistent firmness of purpose. Noun (prepositional object), dative, singular, feminine.

Serving = worship.

This is where we show them that the gospel was necessary for us. I don’t speak to others as the guy who has it all together. I am a saint who sins and is in constant need of the grace of God!

v. 8

The first lesson we must bear in mind is that the gospel is personal.

Incredible – ἄπιστος (apistos) unbelieving. unbelievable adj. — beyond belief or understanding. Predicate adjective, accusative, singular, neuter.

c. Personal confession vv. 9-11

Lesson #2…

2. The Gospel Is Purposeful vv. 12-18

Must – δεῖ (dei) it is necessary. to be obligatory v. — to be required by obligation, compulsion, or convention. Verb, present, active, substantival infinitive.

Contrary – ἐναντίος (enantios) opposed; contrary; opposite. contrary adj. — very opposed in nature or character or purpose (to someone or something). Adjective (direct object), accusative, plural, neuter.

v. 10

Why does God save us?

Have you ever thought about that?

tells us that we are saved “to the praise of the glory of His grace.”

Vote – ψῆφος (psēphos) stone; pebble; voting pebble. voting pebble n. — a small, smooth, rounded rock; often used for voting in judicial cases; white for innocent, black for guilty. Noun (direct object), accusative, singular, feminine.

One of the ways he is glorified is in our proclamation of the gospel.

When we preach the gospel to others, when we preach Christ, God is glorified.

At the moment of our salvation, God has a plan for our lives in Christ. He has a purpose for us.

He knows who we will share the gospel with, where we will share, and when.

Paul reveals in this part of his defense that God saved him with a plan and purpose already laid out.

As Paul recounts his conversion, he lays out the purposeful nature of our salvation.

2. The Gospel Is Purposeful vv. 12-18

All of us come to Christ through…

a. Purposeful confrontation vv. 12-15

READ v. 12

We know what is coming. We know the story.

Paul is engaged in the persecution and imprisonment of Christians. He has the authority and commissioning of the chief priests.

But he will not find what he thinks.

Paul, in the middle of a divine appointment, is explaining the divine appointment that brought him to Christ.

Paul’s plan was to arrive in Damascus and continue his persecution.

Little did he know that he was right where God wanted him.

He was headed for a purposeful confrontation.

READ v. 13

This is almost identical to what we read back in ch. 9.

The only note I want to make here is that Paul has a divine appointment on a road, headed to Damascus.

We never know when or where God will do something like this.

Our divine appointments may not come with brighter than sun light or a voice from heaven. But they are no less real.

We may be called like Zechariah, the father of John the baptist, when we are in the middle of serving the Lord.

We may be called and like Jonah, run the other way.

We may be called when young, like Samuel.

No matter when we are called, where we are called, or how we are called; we must answer God’s call.

READ v. 14

Paul and all his companions fall to the ground, but only Paul hears Jesus’ voice.

There is something very significant here. Something that we are not told back in ch. 9.

Jesus, though already ascended and seated in heaven, speaks to Paul in his native tongue.

Why?

As I contemplated this thought I arrived at the following conclusions.

Reason #1…

It Aids In Understanding

Jesus speaks to Paul in Hebrew so that Paul can understand.

This ensures that God’s message is received with clarity.

A message that cannot be understood is useless.

This is one of the reasons I believe God chose to give us a written revelation. That way it can be translated, be accurate, clear, and understood.

God desires that His children understand His message.

Reason #2…

It Is Personal

Personal

God cares that we as individuals understand His Word.

He knows each and every one of us intimately. He communicates with us on our level.

He knows the language of your heart. He knows what each of us need to hear.

These two points bring us to an important conclusion.

God has given us His Word to be understood and to direct each of us in our personal lives.

The lesson here is that when we speak the truth of God’s Word to others, we need to speak clearly and in a way that is easy to understand.

The NT makes that abundantly clear. Look with me at four brief passages. ; , ; (S).

; , ;

1 Corinthians 1:17 NKJV

17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

Not with the wisdom of words, but with the clear and simple truth of the gospel.

1 Corinthians 2:4 NKJV

4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

Our goal is not to persuade people with brilliance of our presentation. Our goal is for the Spirit to convict through the power of God! That requires the preaching of the gospel.

1 Corinthians 2:13 NKJV

13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Not man’s wisdom, but the wisdom of God the Holy Spirit.

2 Peter 1:16 NKJV

16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.

We do not preach man made fairy tales.

Paul is speaking with clarity so that Agrippa, Bernice, Festus, and all others present, can understand.

Jesus tells Paul, “it is had for you to kick against the goads.”

Craig Keener writes, (2)

The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament 26:12–23—The Risen Christ Calls Paul to the Gentiles

“Kicking against the goads” was a Greek proverb about fighting a god, possibly originating with the classical Greek playwright Euripides. It is not cited in the other accounts of Paul’s conversion, but it is appropriate in an address to Agrippa, who had an ample Greek education.

Jesus is letting Paul know that what he is doing is very serious. He has been fighting against God.

READ v. 15

Can you even imagine hearing that?

Some may have tried to deny the experience. Pass it off as heatstroke or something.

Imagine finding out that everything you have been living for is wrong!

Yet Paul changes direction and serves Christ with the same zeal and abandon with which he once persecuted Him.

Paul is confronted here with the reality of what he has been doing.

Paul is confronted with the reality of what he has been doing.

He has been persecuting God! He has been living in opposition to the Messiah!

There is a point that needs to be made here.

How we treat the body of Christ is how we treat Christ Himself.

Turn to (p. 1144).

(p. 1144)

Matthew 25:34–40 NKJV

34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

How are we treating our brothers and sisters in Christ?

How do we talk about them when they are not present?

To harm them is to harm Christ.

To help them is to help Christ.

Paul has had this purposeful confrontation with Jesus Christ.

That is what we want to give to others.

We want to confront people with the reality of sin and the necessity of a savior!

To share the gospel effectively, confront sin.

The gospel is purposeful. It purposefully confronts us with the reality of our lost condition.

It confronts us with the only solution, faith in Jesus Christ.

Look at (p. 1344).

(p. 1344)

Ephesians 2:11–13 NKJV

11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Sin leaves us without Christ, separated from Him, and without hope.

But by the blood of Jesus, we are brought near!

Look at (p. 1370).

(p. 1370)

Titus 3:3–7 NKJV

3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

What were we? Foolish, disobedient, deceived, slaves to our desires, living with malice, envy, and hate.

BUT THEN!

God’s kindness and love appeared. His mercy is extended, He washes us, makes us alive, renews us, and justifies us by his grace!

This is the experience Paul is describing!

When we are confronted with our sin, the only solution is to turn to Jesus.

To throw ourselves on His grace, love, and mercy.

When we do. We find forgiveness and eternal life.

The gospel has a purpose. Part of that purpose is to confront our sin.

But there is another purpose.

As he continues to lay out the purposeful nature of our salvation, Paul reveals that when we come to Christ we are met with…

b. Purposeful commission vv. 16-18

READ v. 16

“Rise” and “stand” are both imperatives.

Paul has been told that he is persecuting Jesus. This means Jesus, who had been crucified, was alive.

The voice Paul hears is coming from heaven which means that Jesus is in heaven.

This means that Jesus is who He claimed to be! He is the Son of God! He is the Messiah! He is the King of kings and Lord of lords!

When your king speaks, you obey.

Paul is going to be given a task.

Salvation comes with a commission, with a responsibility.

We are not saved simply to escape hell and do nothing.

We are saved for a purpose.

This means we must get up and get moving. That is what Paul is told here.

Notice the words “for this purpose.”

God has a purpose and plan in appearing to Paul and bringing Paul to salvation.

What is that purpose?

To make Paul a minister and witness.

Minister – ὑπηρέτης (hypēretēs) servant; officer; assistant. subordinate, any person subject to the authority or control of another.

Minister – ὑπηρέτης (hypēretēs)

Paul has been called by God to be a servant. As have we all.

We are subordinates operating under the direction of our master!

Paul is also called to be a witness. He is to report what he has seen and what will be revealed to him.

This is exactly what we have seen in Acts and what Paul does through his letters.

Consider (S).

Galatians 1:11–12 NKJV

11 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Paul preaches what was revealed to him by Jesus Christ!

This is Paul’s commission. To be a minister and a witness. As he serves and proclaims the gospel, there will be opposition.

READ v. 17

Deliver – ἐξαιρέω (exaireō) deliver; rescue. to extract, to remove, usually with some force or effort.

Deliver – ἐξαιρέω (exaireō)

The implication here is that Paul will need rescue.

Over and over again we see Paul being removed from situations. God is faithful to keep His promises!

Please hear this. God always keeps His promises.

He promises to never leave us and never forsake us (). He promises that everything works out for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (). He promises that when we bring everything to Him in prayer, we get the peace that passes understanding (). He has promised to return and take us to be with Him ().

God keeps His promises!

Every single one of those promises will be kept and is being kept.

Here God promises to deliver or rescue Paul from both Jews and Gentiles.

According to Paul here, this is something he was told right after his conversion.

Paul knew all along that there would be opposition.

We saw back in that opposition began as soon as Paul started preaching the gospel. From ch 13 to where we are now, we have seen near constant persecution and opposition face Paul.

That is what makes the promise in this verse so awesome.

God will rescue Paul from opposition.

Here’s the thing that we might miss at first glance.

God is promising to rescue Paul from people He is deliberately sending Paul to reach.

God is telling Paul that He will send him to people he will then need to be rescued from!

Beloved. Suffering, persecution, and opposition are part of God’s plan.

Anyone who tells you differently is not speaking Biblically.

God is going to call you and I to minister in situations He will then rescue us from.

He will place us in circumstances that are difficult because that is where the gospel is needed!

What this promise tells us is that in the middle of those situations and circumstances, God is with us.

As the Master of the universe, all circumstances are under His sovereign control.

Why is God sending Paul into circumstances from which he will need to be rescued?

READ v. 18

There are 5 things listed in this verse.

Why is God sending Paul? To accomplish 5 goals. Goal #1…

1 - To open their eyes.

All of us are born blind. We need our eyes opened. Turn to (p. 1328).

(p. 1328)

2 Corinthians 4:3–4 NKJV

3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

read vv. 1-4

2 Corinthians 4:1–4 NKJV

1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

Unbelievers are blinded by sin and Satan.

As God draws us to Himself through the convicting work of the Holy Spirit, our eyes are opened.

Keep your finger in 2 Cor. and flip back to . Goal #2…

2 - To turn them to the light.

This is where we started this morning.

We are the light of the world! But we don’t start life that way. We begin in darkness. Once we are born again, there is light!

Folks, darkness is all around us. It is our responsibility to be lights that point people to Jesus, the giver of light.

How does this happen? Flip back to were going to read vv. 5-6.

(p. 1328)

2 Corinthians 4:5–6 NKJV

5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

When we place our faith in Christ, God the Holy Spirit takes up residence within us. He shines His light into us!

All of this is only through faith in Jesus Christ.

Back to for goal #3…

3 - To bring them into God’s power.

There are only two options. Either you are under the power and dominion of Satan, or you are under the power and dominion of God. There is no middle ground.

Salvation takes us out of one camp and moves us to the second.

Look at (S).

1 John 5:19–20 NKJV

19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. 20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.

We are in Christ! We are part of His kingdom!

puts it this way (S).

Colossians 1:13 NKJV

13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,

We live in a different kingdom! We have been set free from Satan. We are no longer under his dominion.

Therefore, When we choose to sin it’s like trying to cross the line and join ranks with the enemy.

We don’t live in that kingdom anymore. Quit going over there!

Back in , goal #4…

4 - To give forgiveness.

This is one of the most incredible aspects of salvation.

“Receive” is active. It means “to take hold of.” We are to take hold of forgiveness. How? Through faith in Jesus Christ.

This is the consistent message of the NT. Look at (S).

Ephesians 1:7 NKJV

7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace

How do we get this forgiveness?

The verse tells us it is by His blood and according to His rich grace.

gives us some final pieces of information (S).

Ephesians 2:8–9 NKJV

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

By grace we are saved through faith!

This is the message Paul is preaching to Jews and Gentiles alike!

Forgiveness cannot be earned! Forgiveness is freely given by the grace of God!

, Goal #5…

5 - To give an inheritance.

Our inheritance is eternal life. It is life in the presence of Jesus Christ for eternity. It is the joy, peace, comfort, and unending bliss of heaven.

How? Faith in Christ.

How do we get that inheritance? Faith in Christ.

When we place our faith in Jesus, we are sanctified. This means we are set apart or dedicated to the exclusive use of our Savior.

We have an inheritance with those set apart for Christ.

Again, the only way to get this inheritance, the only way to be set apart for the exclusive use of Jesus Christ, is by faith!

Our inheritance is repeatedly mentioned in Ephesians and others books.

One of my favorite mentions is in (p. 1390). Turn there please.

One of my favorite mentions is in (p. 1390).

(p. 1390)

1 Peter 1:3–5 NKJV

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

We have an inheritance! It cannot be corrupted, cannot be defiled, and will never fade away!

We have an inheritance!

Beloved, we are kept by the power of God and will be kept until Christ returns and we are with Him forever!

This is the message Paul was commissioned to share.

He stands before Agrippa, Bernice, Festus, and a host of other leaders, declaring to them that faith in Jesus Christ is the only thing that saves.

He is telling them that apart from faith in Christ a person is blind, in darkness, dominated by Satan, unforgiven, and without any inheritance.

This is the boldness a child of God must have!

This is how we must share the gospel!

To share the gospel effectively, speak it.

says (S).

Romans 10:14 NKJV

14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?

People cannot hear the gospel of Jesus Christ if we are not sharing it.

We must preach the gospel.

That is what Paul is doing here. We will see his conclusion, next week.

Conclusion

As we wrap up this morning, we have learned a second lesson.

The gospel has purpose.

We are not saved to do nothing and sail smoothly into eternity.

We are saved to proclaim Christ!

We are saved to live for Him!

Each one of us comes to Christ through a purposeful confrontation.

The gospel message reveals to us that we are sinners.

We have violated God’s standard and are unable to have a relationship with Him.

The only way to come to God is through faith in Jesus Christ His Son!

When we are confronted with that truth, and we place our faith in Christ, we are saved.

This salvation begins the process of sanctification in every believer.

This salvation also comes with a commission.

We serve Christ and proclaim His finished work of salvation.

We plead with people to come to the light, to leave the kingdom of Satan behind and be forgiven. We invite them to receive the inheritance of eternal life.

Our stated goal this morning was to be effective in reaching a dark world with the light of the gospel.

The gospel is not just the good news of a Savior, it is the bad news of sin.

Preach the whole gospel.

All of this requires that we open our mouths and boldly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.

People cannot be saved if they do not hear the gospel.

We must open our mouths and boldly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.

This week, take every opportunity to preach Christ.

Acts 26:12–18 NKJV

12 “While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’

3. The Gospel Is Powerful vv. 19-23

a. Powerful proposition vv. 19-21

v. 19

This presents us with a somewhat difficult reality. We can be disobedient.

We have a choice. Like Joshua put to the Children of Israel. Choose this day who you will serve!

Are we being disobedient to the calling we have received from God?

Everywhere he goes Paul presents a proposition.

v. 20

Notice the order of events.

We must get this right.

the works do not prove our repentance. The works are a product of our repentance.

The command gives the implication that we can have works that are not fitting of repentance.

Repent, turn to God, do the works of repentance.

v. 21

We talked about this last week.

God called Paul to minister to people from whom God would then rescue him.

The Jews seized Paul and tried to kill him because of the message he preached!

b. Powerful proclamation vv. 22-23

v. 22

Paul received the help promised in v. 17

no discrimination in his gospel presentation.

This is so powerful.

The gospel message Paul preached is the same preached by Moses.

Paul is saying that we can see the things he mentions in v. 23 in the first 5 books of the bible!

Christ would suffer, rise from the dead, and proclaim light.

vv. 22-23 – Paul attests to the fact that the prophets and Moses testified about Christ and how His light would be proclaimed to both Jews and Gentiles.

v. 23

This is like the gospel presentation in 1 cor. 15

Jew and Gentile alike can be saved.

Conclusion

[1] Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993), .

[2] Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993), .

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